I cant imagine the Bill without Reg, I live in the USA now, but love watching when I come home. The only reason I still watch is because Reg is the last of the old team left.

Alison Yeats, Pittsburgh, pa

PLEASE, not Reg, he is one of the main reasons I watch the Bill, he's a unique character. The Bill won't be the Bill without him, and I refuse to watch it again without Reg in it. Couldn't out of loyalty to Reg.

Bev Perrey, Elizabeth Vale, South Australia

So who goes next. Really sorry to see Reg leave and hope that Tony isn't next. All the best Jeff, hang in there, the only good thing about depression is that you eventually come out of it.
Narelle, Adelaide Australia

Narelle, Adelaide, Australia

please don't get rid of Reg. I would have thought Reg and Beth?(Louisa Lytton) made a good team. I have been waiting for them to get together.

Janet, chesterfield, derbyshire

Don't get rid of Reg, he is unique. Hope he gets well and back on the job.

Roy Nancarrow, Adelaide, South Australia

I agree with everyone else says, Reg Hollis is the backbone of The Bill he has had some terrific storylines in the past but now he only seems to have walk-ons. I doubt that The Bill will continue as a viable programme if it doesn't get some proper stories like it used to - and some proper actors!!

Lulu, Stockport,

Hi Jeff
I echo what everyone has said so far. I suffer from depression and anxiety myself and you have always cheered me up, so I hope I can do the same from you.Talkback Thames should listen to the viewers and make the show as it formerly was, a good police drama not the frothy soap it has become. I hope they have the good sense to admit they were wrong and reverse their foolish decision. Meanwhile keep well and don't give up, if they don't change their minds I'm sure there will be other work for you and I will always watch you.

Sue Dunbartonshire

Susan Nellis, Balloch, Dunbartonshire

I was a regular Bill viewer until about four years ago, when the story lines became thinner, more soapy and less plausible. I have seen odd episodes since then, but for me in the future I will remember Frank Burnside, Bob Cryer, Tosh Lines, Jim Carver, June Ackland, Tony Stamp and the unique Reg Hollis. Obviously the producers have adifferent market in mind these days - pity that. Look forward Jeff, you deserve better and I am sure you will find it.

Craig, Adelaide, Australia

Wait until more comes out about this story. As anyone who has seen Jeff in town as seen, gambling is not his only addiction and no doubt other things had a part to play in this...

Laura Roberts, London, UK

Jeff I have always found your story lines to be some of the best, due to the way you can act as Reg Hollis. I have watch The Bill from the start. Within that time I/we have seen people come and go, however, you and Tony have been the back bone. Change is hard to take at times and I for one will miss you as Reg Hollis but I,m not sure there is a need for you to go. You put a smile on my face over the years. Please try to dig deep, you have some work to do. Thank you for being you and the actor you are.
Russ Hanson

Russ , Bideford,

Really shocked that The Bill is still on the TV, thought the whole show had been finished years ago!

Alan, Nottingham,

.I think reggy babe is the english version of columbo . It is such a shame they are getting rid of such a star. who will be next I wonder. What ever happens reg us fans will be behind you all the way what ever you do. best whishes robert hunter and family.

robert hunter, rainham essex,

Reg Hollis is like part of my family. Reg always brought a different element to the show. He could be irritating at times but had vision way beyond the scope of your average officer. I always imagined Reg and Tony being a pair, solving crime with wit and guile as opposed to the testosterone charged young ones. Love ya Reg. My friends and I hope that Jeff Stewart is able to overcome his problems and get his life back on track. Our thoughts are with you.

Andrew, Sydney, Australia

It must be such a big loss to be part of something for so long and have it end so brutually ...very painful I'd imagine.

I'm so sorry this happened to you Jeff and hope the future unfolds with a pleasant surprise for you to move onto.

be brave:)

Cassandra Michaels, Sydney, Australia

I was so sorry to hear about poor Jeff . The People at Thames don't know what implications that move will have. A lot of people,me included,like Reg.With decision-makers like these,
No wonder Thames lost their franchise in 1992.

Pete, Maryborough, Victoria Australia.

Best of luck, Jeff!
I am one of your many fans who deplores the loss of many of the characters who made the show what it used to be.
Get well soon,
Mary

I. M. Walter, Bunbury, Western Australia

We will miss you Jeff, thanks for being Reg. Hope things seem brighter soon. Tricia and Ben

Patricia macdonald, Edinburgh, UK

Get well soon Jeff. You helped make the show. The audience loves you.

Michelle, Sydney, Australia

I think Reg Hollis's role is underused in The Bill and he should have a far more prominent role. He's always struck me as a key character and it's a shame if he's dropped.

Mike
Chatham

Mike, Chatham,

Reg Hollis is a legend, the Bill would not be the same without this character. Similarly, Jeff Stewart is a legend for his fantastic portrayal of Reg. I think that the Bill's producers are making a huge mistake which will decimate the programme's viewing figures.
Get well soon, Jeff. Many people are thinking of you.

Anna, London, UK

Jeff, you were the only reason my husband watched The Bill! Now with Reg gone, it's time to turn it off. The new story lines and characters lack any sort of substance or uniqueness. Audience opinion obviously counts for nothing in the board rooms of Talkback Thames.

Brooke, Cooranbong, Australia

Shame on Talkback Thames.....Reg & Tony only true coppers left in this show. Must say that I was a regular viewer of the Bill up until approx one year ago, but it`s story lines are getting worse. Getting rid of Reg is another indication of the lack of insight the producers have of their audience. Get well soon Jeff

GES, Leeds, UK

Don't worry Jeff, the Bill writers, have certainly sacked one of the best characters in the Bill, they seem to have lost the plot a wee bit, without different types of character like yours, they are fast becoming like many other cop dramas - bland & predictable - hopefully they will start to realise, how much a person, like yourself gives to the storyline. Fast becoming fed up with the new characters they keep bringing to the show! Let's get back to some storylines, for older members of the Bill team & lets see a little more depth please.

Sherry Kerr, Orkney, U.K.

Hi Jeff,
Sorry to hear about your news today. I am totally shocked. What are the producers thinking????? You are always a pleasure to watch. You will be sorely missed by all.
I am saddened to hear about your health issues. Wishing you a quick recovery and great health.
I suffer with anxiety and depression. I understand what you are going through. All the best. Hope to see you back at SUN HILL. Love Ya Reggie Babe.
Love Tania xxxxx

Tania , Tugun, Australia

I am horrified to hear that Jeff Stewart has been threatened with termination from The Bill! He is the only character remaining witrh integrity after most of the others have been tarnished and made to look stupid through the airing of their character's "personal linen".
The people who are trying to "Kill The Bill" are the show's producers who have drifted from the police work aspect into the social shennanigans of the characters.
George Rossi was one who had apparently had a gut full of the stupid situations his character was put in as Duncan Lennox.

Ian Kershaw, Launceston, Tasmania, Australia

I can't believe they're getting rid of Reg Hollis - he's The Bill's Ken Barlow and a very important component of the show.

The storylines have become very poor and popular characters are disappearing. I won't be watching when Reg goes. ITV should keep him on and replace some of the writers.

Best wishes to Jeff Stewart - thanks for entertaining us for so long and I look forward to seeing you back on our screens soon.

Steve Patrick, Cardiff, Wales

get well soon jeff

kris, warsaw, poland

Poor Jeff! Whatever does Talkback Thames think it's doing?
The programme has chaged much since its inception and its one constant has been Jeff Stewart playing Reg Hollis. I think Jeff's character is amazing and I always think an episode is incomplete without an appearance from Reg. Talkback Thames a caring employer? I somehow don't think so. If Jeff gets the push then as far as I am concerned so does The Bill. I shan't be watching.
Jeff, very best wishes for the speediest of recoveries. You have fans a-plenty... we're suffering with you.

Richard Lonmon, Cookham, Berks, England.

I wondered why Reg Hollis had not been in a story line for a while. I have missed his character and can't believe the producers of the show would deem his character to be suplus to requirements. I imagine in a real life situation there would officers who would spend their whole working life as pcs so it would be perfectly realistic to have a character like Reg at the station with all his experience.
In the meantime, get well soon Jeff and trust us Bill fans who enjoy your character and enduring contribution to a brilliant show.

Bill Fan, UK,

Best wishes to Jeff Stewart for a speedy recovery.

Reg Hollis is my favourite character in The Bill and is superbly acted by Jeff Stewart. Please keep him on for he will be sorely missed

Bruce Scott, Albany, Australia

My best wishes to Jeff Stewart . Talkback Thames & ITV need their heads examined. Why remove a popular character like Reg Hollis? Is it because Jeff Stewart reportedly is suffering from depression? How unfair, not to mention discriminatory. Reg Hollis is a beauty, with his dry wit, scruples and honesty - the show would be the poorer without Reg. I urge the producers to reconsider.

Mary-Ann, Adelaide, Australia

Everything has already been said but I still felt I would like to add a few words as since I heard the news this morning Jeff has been on my mind, worrying about him.
In recent times there have been some awful additions to the cast that could easily be removed - but not "our Reg". I feel as if I never want to watch The Bill again, although I have watched it ever since it started.
I hope he is soon back to good health - and I shall hope that he is reinstated so that I can keep watching with such a believable "character" in the show.

Beryl Vangou, Beaumaris, Victoria, Australia

We think your the best, come down under for a holiday.We love you.

Lucy Murray, Melbourne, Australia

The show has lost enough of it's cast in recent months, losing Reg would be the last straw for me.

Many people I know who watch the show have started to lose interest with so many of it's popular characters leaving......to intentionally put Reg out to pasture is just plain STUPID!

Don't know what masterminds have been behind The Bill's changes in the last year.....but I think THEY should be the ones getting the boot!

Best Wishes Jeff

Jules, Adelaide, South Australia

So sorry to hear about what has happened to Jeff, and have lots of sympathy for him - he has put so much into the role of Reg, and made it one of the best in the show. Reg and Tony are the most believable characters left nowadays, and so much more interesting to watch than all the little dolly-birds and sex-mad youths on leave from Eastenders and other soaps. What happened to all the good storylines featuring decent coppers who focussed on crime-solving, rather than a bunch of kids whose tortuous personal lives take precedence?
And whatever has happened to the sound recordist? - outside sound work now seems to have been done by a school-leaver with his i-pod stuck firmly in his ear. A little realistic traffic/background noise is fine, but over the past few months it has become nearly impossible to hear the actors' voices.
Having followed The Bill since its early days, I think our watching days are numbered!
Thinking of you, Jeff, & thanks for all the pleasure we've had from Reg.

H. Black, Edinburgh,

All my best wishes to Jeff Stewart.

I suspect the shows hierachy are underestimating Reg's following and the fact he is the remaining link to the past.

I won't be watching the show once he's gone nor will any of the people I've spoken with about this today.

Monica, Adelaide, South Australia

I have watched the Bill for many years and absolutely love Reg he is a very important part of the show. Bring him back. Jenny, Adelaide. Australia

Jenny Orchard, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia

What ever are thinking about? Reg is of the Bill and should remain as the butt of the rest of the team.. If the producers are thinking of making cuts then there is ample pruning that can done or should I say "culling".. The are now too many characters most of whom seem to have had inadequate training in speech enunciation and gabble or mutter their way through their lines of which there are far too many... Iv'e been a fan since the earliest days but sometimes now get bored with the reliannce on lengthy speeches to explain the story line.. BRING BACK POOR OLD REG ! Consider getting fresher writers!

ARTHUR, tonbridge, england

too many young whiz kids making decisions outside their ability nowadays.
fancy sacking him after 20years.
if they relent and get him back they would receive improved ratings

scott major, london,

I began watching the Bill when It first come on air in the early 80's, and I am quite shocked to hear that dear ,kind "Reg Hollis" would try to top himself.

I lived in a bedist in Ladbroke Grove and can never forget when I started watching the Bill in its early days, and It would be a shocker if this actor would find it in himself to take his life!!!

Sad Viewer,

Adrian Dunsford

Adrian Dunsford, Adelaide, South Australia

can't believe that reg has been sacked,he's the original backbone of the show, which is very popular on ABC-TV & Foxtel cable in Australia. unless Reg is re-instated, my family will never watch it again.

rusty, sydney, australia

I think it is a great shame that you could even consider getting rid of the only remaining original actor on the show. "Reg Hollis" has always been my favourite character on the show. He might not be the "action man" but when we are talking "character" then the Reg Hollis character has what we need - someone we feel for because of his loneliness (revealed in the "hiring a prostitute just to talk" episode), someone we can dislike sometimes because of his social ineptness, someone we can admire because he tries so hard, someone we can respect because of his integrity, someone we can think highly of because he can dress so well... unlike some of the other characters in the show who do not show a great deal of depth but come across (necessarily) as shallow individuals. Well, if the show keeps going the way it is - less crime solving and too much drama combined with loss of characters such as Reg Hollis who keep us coming back then the show will ultimately end. Best wishes Jeff Stewart!!

Jacqui Rickard, Brisbane, Australia

The producers of The Bill appear to have lost touch with their core audience.In recent years they have featured PC Reg Hollis less and less much to the frustration of his many fans and now to sack him is the last straw ! I have watched the show since it's inception but have had enough of the ditching of stalwart cast members for forgettable "pretty young things" with little talent and unsympathetic personalities.
I think viewers should boycott the show till Reg is reinstated.
Best wishes Jeff, hope you recover soon and resume your rightfull place at Sun Hill nick !!!

Michael Wholohan, Sydney, Australia

I am distressed to hear of Jeff's health problems. I have watched 'the bill' for more years than i care to remember and have been sorry to see the demise of the 'old' characters one by one and now to hear of Reg's departure is the last straw. Jeff we are thinking of you and send you best wishes for a speedy recovery. I hope the producers realise their error and reinstate Reg to the program it will not be the same without him. Good Luck Jeff.

Teresa, Canberra, Australia

What could ITV be thinking about in removing Jeff's character, Reg Hollis, from "The Bill"? For me, that is the final nail in the coffin for the show. I won't be watching it again, that's for sure.

As to Jeff Stewart... Jeff, you are a greatly respected actor and you have played the "Reg' part so well that everyone in my family, and circle of friends who watch "The Bill," have come to love you greatly. I cannot express the profound sadness I feel over what has befallen you and the sadness in knowing that "our Reg" won't be on the beat at Sunhill again.

As a fellow sufferer of depression I want you to know that there is light at the end of the tunnel and things will get better. Just hang in there mate. All your fans in Australia wish you well.

Tom Barton, Melbourne, Australia

Reg,if you apply for promotion or a move to CID the powers that be may keep you on.Give it a go mate!

Neil Patten, Brisbane , Australia

Dear Jeff, our thoughts are with you in your time of turmoil and pain. Let's hope that you will receive the support, care and encouragement that you so truly deserve and that you can emerge from this painful time with strength and dignity. You have a loyal fan base here in Australia. All the very best to you.

Angela Byrne, Hastings, Vic, Australia

I have stuck with The Bill through thick and thin (implausible plots, plods behaving totally out of character etc, especially in latter years) but always said if they axed Reg that would be it. For me he represented the backbone of Sun Hill, the ordinary copper who enjoyed his job and was good at it, despite sometimes rubbing up his colleagues the wrong way. How sad for it to end this way for Reg, and even more so for Jeff Stewart. Good luck Jeff and vale Reggie-babes.
Mary, Camperdown, Australia

Mary Lyon, Camperdown, Victoria Australia

Another Reg Hollis fan from Australia - what a wonderful and lovable character!!! I am most distressed to read of Jeff Stewart's health problems, and do hope that he will be able to bounce back. The Bill will not be the same without dear old Reg!

Barbara Bidencope, Tamworth, Australia

Oh Jeff, we love you! I echo the sentiments of every person here who has taken the time to write their thoughts on your accident and your dismissal from the Bill. It won't be the same without you, to it's own detriment. We wish they would reconsider. Best of health to you and to your future. We will always be your fans!!

Rachel Leopold, Adelaide, Aistralia

Yes, Reg was always the stalwart of the show. His polite ordinariness was usually a welcome relief from all the other characters off-the-job shenanigans. He had a certain charm that was seldom witnessed on TV shows. Shame they axed his role. Sad that Jeff Stewart felt that this failed attempt was his way of dealing with a 20yr career's ending. Surely he had endeared himself to the majority of viewers over the years. For he was how we'd all like the Bill to be in real life. Caring & sympathetic.

Jason Murphy, Sydney, Australia

It was a shock to read the news. It was awful they sacked such a Fantastic Actor the best one on there. Thats why I was watching it because of Jeff The bill has lost another fan i say many more fans too.
The producers are stupied Getting rid of all great actors on there :( Every year the bill was getting worse . I watch it Say well nothing much happend here. The producer Should be a shame of them selfs . Jeff Stewart will be dearly missed :(
Poor thing . you have my full support Jeff hugs.

mandy, sydeny, Australia

I hope the sacking of Jeff Stewart has nothing to do with his age. Removing him from The Bill would mean that this show's drawcard as realistic police drama would suffer immeasurably. Jeff Stewart's character Reg shows the compassionate side of the police force & that as humans we all have our own peculiar personality traits of our strengths & weaknesses. I doubt being a long term fan of the Bill that anyone but Jeff Stewart could really faithfully perform & act the role of Reg the friendly, archetypical model of an English Bobby. I implore that Jeff be reinstated in his role as PC Reg Hollis in The Bill. Oh by the way I am an experienced criminal defence lawyer practising in Sydney so I have a real insight in the the role the police play in the criminal justice system. I hope Jeff has a speedy recovery & we will soon see him back on The Bill
Thank you.
Greg Jones, Sydney, Australia

Greg Jones, sydney, australia

It is a shame that the tradition of The Bill is now completely lost - it has never been as good as it was when the real cop drama and associated characters carried the show, now it is heading down the soap opera track
Mel from Western Australia

Carmelo Arto, Perth, Western Australia

What a terribly sad shock. Reg Hollis is many people's favourite character, and his exit from the show will be the end of a happy era. The Bill will just not be the same without him (it almost makes one want to switch to CSI in protest!) Congratulations to Jeff Stewart for the wonderful job he has done - and very best wishes for the future.

Nicola, Melbourne,

come on jeff you were my fav. you kept the show going bud, get well and pls come back. if they do sack you ill stop watching bud ive watched it since the beggining
come on jeff ive been ther but got through :-)
i bet all your colleagues are there with you now:-)

darren, birmingham, west mids

My wife and I have watched The Bill for many years and consider Reg to be one of the major characters.
It is very disappointing to hear that Reg is being written out and we believe his presence will be sadly missed.
We wish Jeff well and hope the producers will reconsider.
Jenny and Robert Stapleton,Sydney Australia.

Jenny and Robert Stapleton, Camden N.S.W., Australia

The Bill will not be the Bill without Reg, he is a refreshing actor, a believable ordinary person on the show.

His contract should be renewed, there are very few fine actors like him on our TV screens.

All the best to him.

Susan, Perth, Western Australia

How could they do that to a guy who has stuck by the show all this time? Reg deserves more storylines as does Tony and a romance for both of them. I'd go out with a 'Reg' and/or a 'Tony' in a heartbeat. Unfortunately, their ilk does not exist in so called 'real land' and the world is the poorer for it.

Love "The Bill" always and forever, no matter which way it goes.

All the best to you, Jeff. You have your fans and they'll stick by you. Good luck in your future endeavours.

Fiona C, Melbourne, Australia.

Fiona Cardosi, Mitcham, Victoria, Australia

Lets hope everyone's wishes for a speedy recovery for Jeff Stewart reach him and that he realises that he has given thousands and thousands of people lots and lots of enjoyment over the years as the wonderfully portrayed Reg Hollis. Don't let him go.

Ruth Andrews, Sydney, Australia

My heartfelt best wishes go to Jeff Stewart at this time. I will remain a "Bill" fan but, like a lot of others, I cannot understand how Talkback Thames can make a stupid decision like this. Don't they understand their "market", their fan base? Characters like Reg Hollis are the backbone of the show and in my opinion helped the series survive that dreadful period when it went over-the-top soapie. It is starting to revert to that disastrous trend now, so the producers should look out for their own contracts! All the best, Jeff - you will be greatly missed.

Paul Mascall, Mona Vale, Australia

I think Jeff Stewart is one of the very best actors on 'The Bill' and it is shameful that his contract is not being renewed. As an avid fan of 'The Bill' I have to say that, in recent times, it has become more like a soap opera and has certainly lost a lot of its former fans here in Australia. It's about time the producers woke up to themselves because they are ruining what used to be a fantastic showl.

Gabriella, Lithgow, Australia

My husband & I were shocked and upset to hear this on the news today. We're very fond of Reg and his oddball little ways. I do hope they reconsider this - PC Reg Hollis has years left in him yet.

Very best wishes to Jeff Stewart anyway.

Margaret Eccles, Cheltenham, Glos.

I obviously cannot comment on the actor's mental state, but as an actor he is brilliant. He combines 'Marvin the manic robot' with Richard Brier's character from Ever Decreasing Circles to produce a boring yet extremely humerous character. Losing Reg's chacter would be a loss to the underlying subtle humour of The Bill

Claire Harris, Northampton, Northamptonshire

It is such a shame to hear that Jeff Stewart has had hes contract terminated by The Bill, he played a cop who was unique and one of a kind, I hope that he is well and hope the bosses reconsider.

Dean, London,

It's ridiculous that they keep getting rid of popular characters that have been on the show for a long time. Jeff Stewart has been on The Bill since the very first episode trasmitted, I believe (Not the pilot, 'Woodentop'). It's only a matter of time before they get rid of Graham Cole.

Jim Anslow, Faversham,

Get well soon Jeff.

Why on earth do these people write out such lovely characters as Reg. It is a change to see somebody playing a sympathetic and caring person and I am sure I am not the only one who looks forward to the episodes that Reg appears in.

Maybe somebody should reconsider and perhaps go back to older formats of the program in times before it became a 'soap'.

We're thinking of you in our house Jeff.

Pip Taylor, Upwell, Cambs

I truly hope Jeff is feeling better soon.

I cant blame him for being in a state for not having youre contract renewed - after all thats all he's known for 24 years. Im disgusted at TalkbackThames and wont be watching if he leaves, it just wont be the same without Reg.

Keep smiling Jeff, you have many fans out there that care about you, you have my FULL support

Benedict Sloane, Canterbury, Kent,

So sorry to hear Reg is being written out. He's been a great character, my favourite over the years. I suppose it was only a matter of time before a believable character was written out in favour of these stupid, soap-style newcomers.

The Bill is just not what it used to be - and obviously doesn't have any intention of returning to its roots of good quality crime-drama ALL the time rather than on rare ocassions.

Jeff has given me endless pleasure, as did the people who wrote his character. I wish him all the best.

Move on Jeff, look to the future, you're a jolly good actor, you, and the rest of the show's 'backbone', deserve better than what The Bill has become.

Judith Ross, Bagillt,

Oh dear, poor Jeff.

Here's hoping he feels better soon.

Must be a shock being told your contract is not being renewed, especially from a role that you love playing. He must have been really stressed out and feeling quite desperate.

I guess there was no easy way of telling him the bad news.

All the best Jeff, keep your chin up.

Marjory MacLaren, Glasgow, Scotland